With Richard Hamilton already out and at least Rose almost certainly to join him, the Bulls will be shorthanded again.

"They’re getting better," Thibodeau said of the injured players. "Rip is moving along. He’s doing more activity now. He’s running, moving on to the next phase. That’s encouraging. We’re focusing in on the guys who are here and playing. We’re fortunate to have a deep team."

Thibodeau said if both Rose, who has a strained groin, and Watson, who aggravated his sprained left ankle, sit that it's a gametime decision who starts at point guard. John Lucas III, coming off a 24-point performance against the Miami Heat, is the most likely candidate.

"His professionalism, attitude and approach," Thibodeau said of Lucas' qualities. "The way he shoots the ball. His energy. And even when he’s not playing in games, he’s helping us in practice. What you’re seeing now is the way he practices every day. He brings a lot to our team in terms of team spirit and competitiveness."

Asked if it's better to take a conservative approach with Rose, Thibodeau said:

"Obviously, we’d prefer to have everybody," he said. "But it’s part of the game and it’s how you deal with all those things that come your way. Injuries are part of it. Every team goes through it. It’s how you handle those challenges as they come forward that determines a big part of your success."